We are proud to say that Hillsboro High School was certified as an A+ School in the Spring of 2001. The Missouri A+ Schools Program requires Hillsboro High School to guide students in a rigorous program of academic and technical education that will prepare them for the workplace, post-secondary vocational-technical training, or college.

A student who qualifies according to the following criteria and continues an education at a Missouri public community college or vocational-technical school is eligible for state reimbursed tuition and general fees for up to two years. Potential A+ students enter into a written agreement with Hillsboro High School that requires the student to:

· Attend the designated A+ School for three consecutive years prior to high school graduation.

· Graduate from high school with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or greater on a 4.0 scale.

· Maintain at least a 95% attendance record for all four years of high school.

· Perform 50 hours of unpaid tutoring or mentoring of other students.

· Maintain a record of good citizenship and avoid the unlawful use of drugs.

· Make a documented, good faith effort to secure available federal post-secondary student financial assistance funds that do not require payment. (FAFSA application must be completed and mailed to the school that the student is planning to attend.)

· Male students must register with the Selective Service.

The student financial incentive will be available for a period of four years after high school graduation. To maintain eligibility during that time, each participating student must enroll and attend a Missouri Public community college or vocational school on a full-time basis and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Students who wish to participate in this program must have a written agreement on file in the A+ office, located in the high school guidance office.

FAFSA Requirement:  A+ participants and their parents are required to complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with the government in order to receive the financial incentive offered to the community college or career/technical school.  The information reported on the FAFSA is required by post-secondary institutions to complete the enrollment process.  Financial need is not a factor in determining student eligibility for the A+ tuition benefit.  However, an A+ participant is required to complete a FAFSA to make sure he/she is not eligible for any non-payback financial aid.  Parents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible after January 1 of the student's senior year.  (Income taxes must be completed first.)  FAFSA forms are available in the Counseling Center in January.  FAFSA data may also be submitted online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.

***New Requirements will be posted soon for the graduating class of 2015 per the state of Missouri.